The global coronavirus epidemic has wreaked considerable economic havoc - including in Europe. The top priority in the coming months and years is to rebuild the economy.
The global coronavirus epidemic has wreaked considerable economic havoc - including in Europe. Rebuilding the economy in the coming months and years can be accomplished in two ways: implementing the "business as usual" model, which will mean a return to current production and consumption patterns, or focusing on the implementation of sustainable development principles, which will allow creating friendly people and future environment.
Although the crisis can be a difficult time to think in terms of innovation and change at the local government level, this time - unlike the previous crisis of 2007-2008 - we have a wide range of research, analysis, and good practices at our disposal to imagine greening local economies and society.
On June 23, 2020, courtesy of a partner from the West Pomeranian Region, the first Webinar development of a green economy during a pandemic of the GRESS project took place. The meeting was planned with a view to creating a platform enabling all interested parties to participate in an open debate and creative discussion in the near future of the green economy.
The webinar was hosted by Bartłomiej Kozek from the UNEP / GRID-Warsaw Center, a non-governmental organization that operates within the structure of the National Foundation for Environmental Protection and deals with supporting proper environmental management and biodiversity protection as well as promoting an attitude of responsibility for the environment in society and in business.
In his presentation, Mr Kozek focused on the topic of global warming and its prevention in the context of the COVID -19 pandemic. He also presented very interesting results of the document entitled "The Decalog for the post- COVID-19 era created, created by UCLG, an international organization for cities, local and regional governments, and municipal associations around the world, which contains 10 ideas for local authorities to rebuild the economy after a pandemic. Then the seminar participants took part in the discussion.
One of the participants of the webinar also had the opportunity to familiarize listeners with information about the polish nationwide Eco-City project, which aims to promote the idea of sustainable urban development. It is a competition which has already been seventh edited and its organizers annually reward polish cities and local government that are most committed to environmental protection. One of the project product is a Geoportal, which presents a map with good examples of best practices and innovative solutions related to the green economy implemented in various cities in Poland.
